Forgiveness and Mercy

Returning to the Eternal Light: A Prayer of Confession and Renewal

Lord Jesus Christ, You who are the Eternal Light, the source of all goodness and grace, I come before You today with a heart that is broken by my own sinfulness. I approach Your throne of mercy, recognizing that I am in need of Your forgiveness. You, O Lord, who know every thought and every action, see into the depths of my soul. Nothing is hidden from You, yet in Your love and compassion, You continue to call me back to Your heart.

I confess, Lord, that I have strayed from Your path. In my thoughts, in my words, and in my deeds, I have not always acted in accordance with Your will. I have failed to love You with all my heart, and I have failed to love others as You have called me to do. I have allowed pride to rule over humility, selfishness to overshadow charity, and anger to stifle forgiveness. For all these offenses, Lord, I am deeply sorry.

Jesus, I acknowledge the times I have acted in ways that have hurt others and distanced me from You. I confess the moments when I have spoken harshly, acted unjustly, or failed to act when I should have shown kindness and compassion. I recognize the times when I allowed my own desires to lead me into sin, when I failed to put You first in my life. I come before You with a humble heart, Lord, seeking Your forgiveness and the grace to make amends.

You, O Jesus, are the perfect embodiment of mercy. Throughout Your life, You extended forgiveness and healing to those who sought You. You forgave the tax collector, the adulteress, and even those who crucified You. You opened Your arms wide on the cross to embrace all of humanity in Your infinite love. I now come to You, Jesus, trusting in Your mercy, knowing that You desire to forgive me and restore me to a life of grace.

Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness. Wash me clean of my sins and purify my heart. As David once prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Let me be made new in Your love, free from the guilt and shame that sin brings. I know that through Your death and resurrection, You have conquered sin and death. I trust that in Your mercy, You will lift me up from my failings and guide me back to You.

Jesus, I ask for the strength to turn away from the temptations that lead me away from You. I know that I am weak, but I believe that with Your grace, all things are possible. Help me to resist the sins that I struggle with, to choose righteousness over the fleeting pleasures of the world, and to walk the path of holiness that You have laid out for me. Guide me, Lord, in all my thoughts, words, and actions, that I may live in a way that honors You and brings glory to Your name.

I also ask, Lord, for the grace to forgive others as You have forgiven me. I know that I have held onto grudges, harbored resentment, and allowed bitterness to take root in my heart. But You, Jesus, have shown me the way of forgiveness. You taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Help me to release any anger or hurt that I carry, to forgive those who have wronged me, and to seek reconciliation with those I have wronged.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the love You have shown me, even in my sinfulness. I thank You for the gift of Your mercy, which is offered to me without limit. I know that I do not deserve Your forgiveness, but I am grateful for Your sacrifice on the cross, through which all who believe in You may be saved. Your love is beyond understanding, and I praise You for Your goodness and compassion.

Help me, Lord, to remain close to You. Strengthen my faith, that I may trust in Your plan for my life, even when I do not understand it. Grant me the courage to carry my cross daily and to follow You without hesitation. Lead me, Lord, in the way of truth, that I may be a light to others and a witness to Your mercy in the world.

I surrender myself completely to Your will, Lord Jesus. Take my heart, my mind, my soul, and transform them according to Your will. Help me to live each day in gratitude for Your mercy and in service to You and to others. May Your love flow through me, and may I bring Your peace, forgiveness, and compassion to those around me.

In Your holy and precious name, I pray. Amen.

This prayer invites reflection on personal sin, trust in Jesus' mercy, and a plea for the strength to live a life that mirrors His love. It focuses on forgiveness, both receiving it and extending it to others, and concludes with a request for a deeper union with Christ.